U.S. Pair Skaters Kam and O’Shea Finish Strong at Milan Olympics
MILAN — Danny O’Shea and his partner, Ellie Kam, skated onto the ice Monday night for their fourth program of these Olympics. Each one had gone better than the one before, and the Americans entered the pairs final in seventh place. They knew that rank was deceptively low in a congested competition — a single successful jump more than the other teams could be the difference between them and a potential bronze medal.
The performance marked a culmination of years of dedication for the pair, and for O’Shea in particular, who has been working towards this moment for three decades. According to a report from Google News, these Olympics represent 30 years in the making for the U.S. Pairs skater.
While the article details their performance on Monday, February 16, 2026, it doesn’t specify the final results. However, web search results indicate that Kam and O’Shea faltered in the free skate, but still underscored a bright future for US pairs skating. NBC Chicago reported that the duo exceeded expectations with their best performance ever during the team event on February 8, 2026, landing their jumps and throws with elite lifts.
O’Shea, born February 13, 1991, in Pontiac, Michigan, has a rich skating history. According to his Wikipedia page, he currently competes with Ellie Kam and is a 2026 Olympic Games team event gold medalist. Prior to Kam, he skated with Chelsea Liu and Tarah Kayne, achieving success with both partners, including a Four Continents championship with Kayne in 2018.
The pair’s performance on February 8th was particularly noteworthy, with Olympic gold medalist Tara Lipinski commenting, “I have chills,” as they outskated expectations. Lipinski also highlighted O’Shea’s exceptional skill as a lifter, stating he is “one of the best lifters in the world.” The skaters reportedly grew emotional as they finished their skate, relief washing over them after delivering a strong performance for Team USA.
O’Shea’s journey to the Olympics hasn’t been without its challenges. His Wikipedia entry details a battle with an eating disorder beginning at age sixteen, which he eventually overcame with the help of a nutritionist. He grew up in a family that supported his athletic pursuits, playing football, soccer, and basketball in addition to figure skating.
Alongside Kam and O’Shea, Emily Chan and Spencer Akira Howe also competed for the United States in the pairs figure skating long program on February 16, 2026. The U.S. Figure skating team is coached by Drew Meekins and Sandy Straub.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, have showcased the talent and dedication of American figure skaters, with Kam and O’Shea’s performance adding to the excitement and promise for the future of US pairs skating. The team competition concluded with the pairs, women’s, and men’s free skates.
